Razorbacks defeat Missouri State 2-1, now head for series with Florida

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Arkansas scored a pair of runs on an error in the second inning and strong pitching made it hold up in a 2-1 win over Missouri State on Wednesday.

Autumn Storms and Mary Haff combined for six scoreless innings in the circle.

Arkansas (26-11) recorded only three hits — from sophomore Kayla Green, junior Sydney Parr, and senior Ashley Diaz. Green and senior Haydi Bugarin scored for the Hogs, moving into scoring position with Parr’s base-hit to Missouri State’s shortstop.

With the bases loaded, sophomore Nicole Duncan went nine pitches before delivering a hard-hit ground ball to the left side.

Missouri State’s shortstop fielded a grounder off the third baseman’s glove and threw high trying to catch Green at home, which allowed Bugarin to cross the plate safely.

Storms pitched four successful innings for the Hogs, facing 20 batters and striking out four while giving up no free bases. Haff relieved Storms in the fifth and retired nine of the 11 batters she faced, picking up her fourth save of the season and sixth of her career.

Missouri State (20-13) scored its only run in the bottom of the fifth inning after back-to-back base hits put leadoff hitter Kyana Mason on third. Mason scored on the next play as teammate Darby Joerling was thrown out at first.

The Razorbacks are now 21-19 all-time against the Bears, winning eight of their last ten meetings.

Up next

The Razorbacks will head south to Gainesville, where they will continue their four-game road stint with a three-game series with Florida starting Friday at 5 p.m.